Indi Hoops Standouts Part 2
The annual Indi Hoops Tip Off Classic was held this past weekend in Suwanne, GA. This tournament is one of the top tournaments in the nation before the NCAA live period gets started a week later. The field this year, like it does every year, featured top shoe programs and non shoe programs. This year sponsored programs included Atlanta Express (GA), Nightrydas Elite (FL), Atheletes of Tomorrow (GA), Georgia Stars (GA), Each One Teach One (FL), Team Breakdown (FL), Atlanta Celtics (GA), Showtime Ballers (FL), and more. This field featured a plethora of next level prospects this weekend, but here are a few prospects that stood out to me all weekend part 2.
Note: Photo above by OST24/7
2020 guard Anthony Edwards – Atlanta Express 17U – Holy Spirit School, GA
Like Boston, Anthony Edwards bought his “A” game this weekend to the Indi Hoops tip off classic. As you know Edwards and Boston battled it out on day 1 of the tournament with their head to head top-25 matchup Friday night. Anthony came out to prove to the nation that he is should be ranked higher than what he actually is (#24 according to ESPN). Edwards is very effecient offensively. He is capable of creating his own shot off the dribble and knocking it down with ease. He’s a big bodied guard who can score in all levels. He’s an explosive guard who can run the offense like a point guard and is able to hit his three pointers from behind the arc. This kid can get hot at any time in the game as he hit five straight threes in his matchup against Brandon Boston.
2020 point guard Devion Smith – Atlanta Celtics 16U – Grayson High School, GA
The 5’11 point guard Devion Smith of Grayson High School put his skills on notice all weekend long at the Indi Hoops Classic. What surprised me was his athleticism and his bouncing abilities. Yes the kid can dunk with ease. Smith and his backcourt mate 2020 guard Dwon Odom showed out this weekend. Devion is certainly a pure point guard who’s able to set the tempo and tone for his squad. He has incredible hang time for a player his size and was able to get to his spots on the floor to hit his jump shots.
2019 shooting guard Damari Monsanto – Team Breakdown 17U – American Heritage School, FL
Damari Monsanto was hands down the best shooter in this tournament this past weekend. Monsanto is a lenghty shooting guard and is a sniper from deep. He’s quick off the catch and has a very consistent jumper. Damari’s best game this weekend, hands down, was against Nike EYBL’s Georgia Stars (GA), where he knocked down eight three pointers and finished with 29 points. Monsanto will catch several college coaches and/or scouts eyes this summer with his play and passion for the game. You can catch him on the Under Armour Association circuit with Team Breakdown.
2020 guard Alec Oglesby – Game Elite 16U – Collins Hill High School, GA
Here’s another one of Georgia’s under the radar prospects we should keep our eye on. Alec contiuned to impress this weekend with his flow and rhythm on the court. Alec’s has a CJ McCollum type game where he can take control at point guard but also play off ball as well. He’s a score first guard who’s quick off the dribble and can attack the basket. He’s also able to catch and shoot if he needs to and is capable of making the right play for his team. Oglesby can score in bunches at any point in the game. When watching him on the court it seems he has a nack for putting the ball in the hoop.
2019 forward Christian Brown – Athletes of Tomorrow 17U – Lower Richland, SC
One of the biggest surprises of this weekend’s tournament was Christian Brown of Lower Richland (SC). Christian is a top 25 prospect in the class of 2019 who was recently seen with Adidas Gauntlet Upward Stars (SC). This weekend Brown ran with nationally ranked Nike EYBL Athletes of Tomorrow (GA) who feature stars in Isaac Okoro, Brandon Boston, and Charles Smith IV. With all the talent on the team already, Christian set in very well with his possibly new team this weekend. Brown had an amazing weekend where he was an effecient scorer on offense. He is a vicious finisher and impressed with his athleticism. He ran the floor well and was hitting a few of his jumpers from his spots on the floor.